Some folks pay a compliment like they expected a receipt.
Frank McKinney "Kin" Hubbard (1868-1930) American caricaturist and humorist
“Abe Martin” comic, San Francisco Call (1912-02-07)
(Source)
Through his Abe Martin character, Hubbard used this phrase in a variety of forms, popularizing (though not originating) it. More discussion about this: “Some people pay a compliment as if they expected a receipt” - The Big Apple - Barry Popik.
Quotations by:
Hubbard, Kin
Don’t knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.
Beauty is only skin deep, but it is a valuable asset if you are poor or have not any sense.
Frank McKinney "Kin" Hubbard (1868-1930) American caricaturist and humorist
(Attributed)
See Thomas Adams.
Ever’ once in a while we meet a feller that’s too proud t’ beg, an’ too honest t’ steal, an’ too lazy t’ work.
Frank McKinney "Kin" Hubbard (1868-1930) American caricaturist and humorist
Abe Martin’s Almanack
Full text.
If everbuddy thought before they spoke ther wouldn’t be enough noise in this world t’ scare a jaybird.
[If everybody thought before they spoke there wouldn’t be enough noise in this world to scare a jaybird.]
Next t’ a circus ther haint nothin’ that packs up an’ tears out any quicker’n th’ Christmus spirit.
[Next to a circus, there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out any quicker than the Christmas spirit.]
Frank McKinney "Kin" Hubbard (1868-1930) American caricaturist and humorist
Abe Martin’s Back Country Sayings, ch. 7 (1917)
(Source)
Often misquoted as "tears out faster than".
A bad fittin’ suit never wears out.
Frank McKinney "Kin" Hubbard (1868-1930) American caricaturist and humorist
Abe Martin’s Almanac for 1909 (1908)
Full text.
Th’ feller that agrees with ever’thing you say is either a fool er he is gettin’ ready t’skin you.
[The fellow that agrees with everything you say is either a fool or he is getting ready to skin you.]